ryer Vent Cleaning: Fire Prevention Tips to be Aware of
Have you ever given any thought as to the service your clothes dryer is providing? Imagine the heat required to dry your clothes. Imagine the heat produced by a fire! Clothes dryers are often placed in confined spaces where fires can build and spread quickly.
Also confined is the lint that builds up in the dryer vent system, no matter how efficiently is it working. Your dryer vent system takes heat, moisture and lint from the clothes dryer to the vent outside, but some of the moist lint will stick to the sides of the dryer ducts, where it forms a paste and dries. As more lint sticks to this dried paste, the system becomes clogged, reducing air flow and eventually igniting. A dryer fire can be most devastating as it burns very hot and spreads quickly.
So, your dryer vent system is clean and free of lint clogs, but the dryer is still taking too long to dry a load of laundry. Clothes feel very hot when you remove them from the dryer. What can be the problem? Something you may not have thought of.
A few days after dryer vent cleaning service was performed, it snowed...a lot! Snow has drifted against the outside of your home and blocked the dryer vent! Unaware of the problem, you continue using the dryer; as heat tries to escape, it melts the snow a little, then as it freezes, your vent is frozen shut, making it even more difficult for heat to escape.
Freak accidents cannot be anticipated; that is why they are called freak accidents! Always check the vent outside to be sure it is not obstructed. Dryer vents should be a few feet off the ground, but drifting snow can block them. When your dryer is running, look outside to be sure you see steam coming out of your dryer vent and that it is opening while the dryer is running and closing when the dryer stops.
Another cause of a clogged vent could be small animals, or birds that are attracted to the warm area. They crawl inside and build a nest. Check your outside vent often to be sure it is functioning properly and not letting unwelcome critters into your home.
Appliance maintenance not only keeps appliances in working order to avoid wear and tear and repair bills, it also helps in keeping appliances running efficiently to reduce energy costs and safely to prevent a fire. Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year, to be sure your dryer vent system is properly maintained and that it meets current safety standards.
Mory Matias is the owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Chicago, Illinois. Dryer vents are Mory's specialty; he is an expert who inspects, cleans, repairs and installs dryer vent systems while educating consumers on dryer fire prevention and energy savings. Read Mory's new blog for more dryer vent cleaning and safety tips.
Award reflects company's consistently high level of customer service
Chicago, IL - Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago has been awarded the prestigious 2008 Angie's List Super Service Award!
The Super Service Award, now celebrating its 10th year, is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List to meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for the award.
"Our super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to customer service," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
Mory Matias, the owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago states, "We are truly honored to be awarded this prestigious award. We strive for complete satisfaction with our customers, who are naturally very conscientious about safety and energy savings by seeking our services in the first place!" DVW specializes in dryer fire prevention and "urgent response" dryer vent cleaning, maintenance, repair, replacement and alterations. http://www.dryerventwizard.com services keep dryer appliances functioning efficiently, prevent dryer fires and reduce energy costs.
Angie's List Super Service Award winners have maintained a total and overall grade of "A," have not received a minimum number or reports; are NOT in the Angie's List "Penalty Box" and do NOT have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie's List, but members can find the 2008 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.
Angie's List is where thousands of consumers share their ratings and reviews on local contractors and companies in more than 425 different categories. Currently, 750,000 consumers across the US rely on Angie's List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the Angie's List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie's List complaint resolution service.
Contact:
Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago
Mory Matias
Phone: 773-484-3509
Email: mmatias@dryerventwizard.com
All major appliances require some regular maintenance in order to operate efficiently. Failure to properly maintain appliances increases their chances of breaking down, or causes them to labor or work harder to perform their task. This leads to increased energy bills and a chance of an appliance repair or replacement bill. When dryer vent cleaning and maintenance is neglected, there is yet another danger; a clothes dryer fire.
Here are some items you should know about clothes dryers and dryer vent systems:
•· The lint trap should be pulled and cleaned after each load of laundry
•· Residue can build up on the lint screen over time; it should be washed with soap and water about once a month
•· Avoid putting rags soaked with oil, gasoline or other combustible substances into the dryer, even if they have been washed
•· All flammable materials and liquids should be stored well away from the clothes dryer
•· Order professional dryer vent cleaning and maintenance at least once a year
•· Have your dryer duct and vent system inspected to be sure it is up to UL Safety Standards
•· Do not use vinyl or plastic material for your dryer ducts; use only semi-rigid or solid metal
•· Keep the outside vent clean and check it often for blockage, damage or freezing
Proper maintenance of your dryer vent system will keep you safe from a fire, save money on energy bills, and reduce the risk of appliance malfunction or break-down. The small service fee for a dryer vent cleaning and inspection is little compared to the savings it offers in preventing a fire and prolonging the life of your dryer.
This article was written by Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago, Il. Most consumers are unaware that annual dryer and dryer vent maintenance is required to keep the dryer running properly and to prevent dryer fires. Additionally, annual maintenance can save energy. Dryer Vent Wizard specializes in dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation.
Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago services residential and commercial buildings in Cook County, Arlington Heights, Chicago, Glenview, Evanston, Elmhurst, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Schaumburg, Wilmette, and neighboring cities and communities.
Phone: 773-484-3509
Web: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Email: mmatias@dryerventwizard.com
Don't let your dryer start a fire; keep your home safe and sound. Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents cause fire hazards and cost substantially more to operate.
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning is so Important!
•· Dryer vents clogged with lint cost $18-24 more per month to operate
•· There are 15,500 fires every year caused by failure to clean dryer vents
•· Dryer manufacturers recommend you clean your dryer vent every year
•· Regular dryer vent cleaning prolongs the life of your dryer
Dryer Vent Wizard Provides the following Services:
•· Dryer vent cleaning
•· Dryer vent repair
•· Dryer vent alterations
•· Dryer vent installations
Contact Dryer Vent Wizard for a complete inspection today!
Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago
Mory Matias
Phone: 773-484-3509
Email: mmatias@dryerventwizard.com
Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com
Service area: North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs, Cook and Lake Counties, Evanston, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, Keniworth, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield
and neighboring cities and communities.
With all we know about the importance of appliance maintenance, for example, furnace cleaning; few think about their clothes dryer maintenance, beyond the obvious need to keep the lint filter clean. Ask your self the following questions regarding your clothes dryer:
If you have answered ‘yes' to any of these questions, it is time to have your dryer vent system inspected for air-flow problems that eventually lead to a dryer fire.
Dryer Vent Wizard recommends professional dryer vent cleaning every year to keep your clothes dryer running efficiently and safely. Lint clogged dryer vents restrict the necessary air-flow needed by your dryer to remove lint and moisture from clothing and send it outside through your dryer vent. Contact http://www.dryerventwizard.com to order a thorough dryer vent inspection today.
Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repairs, dryer vent installation, and dryer vent inspections in North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs, Cook and Lake Counties and neighboring cities and communities.
Dryer Vent Wizard is committed to promoting dryer fire safety awareness throughout thier community. They provide top-notch dryer vent cleaning service and maintenance.
Mory Matias, who used to work in product development, is now dedicated to helping his local community prevent easily avoidable dryer fires. He is committed to providing a quality service for home and business owners that will help them achieve tangible safety and savings through regular dryer vent maintenance.
According to Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago, most consumers are unaware that annual dryer and dryer vent maintenance is required to keep the dryer running properly and to prevent dryer fires. Additionally, annual maintenance can save energy and associated costs.
When a consumer finds their dryer taking multiple cycles to dry clothes or if it keeps stopping during a cycle, the cause could be lint accumulation in the vent line, causing the dryer to work inefficiently or not at all. Annual maintenance can mean lower energy bills, since the result is the dryer not having to work so long and hard to dry clothes. In addition, clothes don't wear out as quickly when they don't have to go through multiple cycles.
While cleaning a dryer vent may seem like a very simple and sensible thing to do, the fact of the matter is, many people just don't do it. Time is a precious commodity for most people today. Busy households have an urgent need to get their dryers up and running safely and efficiently. This is why they call Dryer Vent Wizard to help them obtain a quick solution to their dryer vent problems.
Dryer Vent Wizard services North Side Chicago and North Shore Suburbs, Cook and Lake Counties, Evanston, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Skokie, Morton Grove, Kenilworth, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield
Our services include:
We also strive to promote public awareness of fire safety and clothes dryers. We encourage consurmers to go to http://www.dryerventwizard.com and get their free dryer vent safety check too kit.
Get a FREE Dryer Vent Check Safety Tool Kit
To increase awareness of dryer vent safety, DVW is offering Tips & Tools. Homeowners & community groups are encouraged to download the Tips brochure and the video, "Don´t Let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound". FREE dryer vent safety check kits that help identify dryer vent problems can also be ordered!
Call 1-866-498-SAFE (7233) for your dryer check-up & cleaning
Great Dryer Vent Cleaning!
The following was sent to about 175 people by a satisfied customer:
"Okay, you are going to think I am crazy e-mailing you about your dryer - BUT - when we moved here over a year ago, I finally got a great set. Only when we used it, I noticed that after a few months I had to run it twice to get my loads dry. (I thought nothing of it b/c it seemed no matter where I lived, my dryers ran twice on heavy loads.) I just figured this is how it is with all dryers."
Well, the past few weeks, we have had to run our dryer even up to 4 times on a heavy load. There was even a "moldy" type smell in our towels. I called a dryer repair guy b/c I figured the heating element was going out. He told me that on dryers, if it is drying, even a little, it is more likely to be my dryer vent. He told me to hire someone to come and clean the vent that goes through the house.
I thought I could do it myself, so I went downstairs and pulled the vent out of the wall to find an extreme amount of build-up!!! It was damp and had that "moldy" smell that my towels have had. I tried to clean it out and the more I reached in the more clogged it was. I knew if it was clogged here, that the inside pipe had to be backed up.
I called a place called "Dryer Vent Wizard". It runs normally about $150 to come out, inspect and clean. That is for a normal 20 foot pipe. Ours ran 36 feet and was up and down and all around - causing our vent build-up. Even though it was over $150 for our case to clean it, let me tell you IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!
After he cleaned it out filling a 5 gallon tub full of lint, I ran my dryer for a load and it dried PERFECTLY in a shorter amount if time. I have honestly NEVER had my clothes dry so fast. It seems like common sense that the vent needs to be cleaned, but thinking about it, this house was never cleaned in over 20 years and no other house I ever lived in was ever cleaned - so it was never my dryers, but probably my vents all along!!!
Anyway, they charge $39 to come out and take a look. (For a membership type thing of like $29 they will come out once a year and not charge the $39 fee.)
I HIGHLY recommend it!! Just thought I´d pass this along! We spend time and money on ‘big purchases' like our oil changes, etc. - why not keep other important things maintained? Not to mention it is a huge fire hazard!
Dryer Vent Wizard´s # is: 1-866-498-safe (7233) for someone in your area.
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